Breadsticks with cheese and garlic are a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish that combines the irresistible flavors of melted cheese and savory garlic. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these breadsticks are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, soup, or simply enjoying them as a standalone treat, these cheesy garlic breadsticks are easy to make and absolutely delicious. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the perfect breadsticks with cheese and garlic from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Breadsticks with Cheese and Garlic
Making breadsticks with cheese and garlic is easy and straightforward. By following these simple steps, you can create perfect, golden, and cheesy breadsticks in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The first step to making your breadsticks is to prepare the dough. Start by activating the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm water (not too hot, just lukewarm) with the active dry yeast and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is alive and active.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture, and add the olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your breadsticks will bake evenly and get that perfect golden brown color when they are ready.
Step 3: Shape the Dough into Breadsticks
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle shape. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips that are about 1-inch wide and 6-8 inches long. You can make them longer or shorter depending on your preference, but keep in mind that smaller breadsticks will bake faster.
Arrange the dough strips on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper-lined baking tray, making sure to leave a little space between each one.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks are resting, it’s time to prepare the garlic butter that will coat the breadsticks and make them incredibly flavorful. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using) to the melted butter and stir well to combine. This garlic butter will create a deliciously savory coating that infuses each breadstick with rich garlic flavor.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Brush the garlic butter generously over each breadstick, making sure to coat them evenly. This will give the breadsticks that irresistible garlic flavor and a shiny, golden finish.
Once your breadsticks are coated, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each one, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a rich, cheesy topping that will melt perfectly during baking.
Place the breadsticks in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want them to be crisp and golden without overbaking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your breadsticks are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes. For an extra burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the breadsticks before serving.
Serve these cheesy garlic breadsticks warm, and enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite pasta, pizza, or soup, or simply enjoy them on their own with a delicious dipping sauce like marinara or ranch dressing.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give you a more intense and flavorful garlic taste than garlic powder alone.
- Don’t skip the rising step: Allowing the dough to rise properly will result in soft, fluffy breadsticks. Be patient and let the dough double in size.
- Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and shape the breadsticks ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
These breadsticks with cheese and garlic are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With a soft, buttery dough, a garlicky, cheesy topping, and a golden, crispy finish, they make the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. The best part? They’re simple to prepare, and you can customize them with different cheeses and seasonings. So why not treat yourself to these mouthwatering, homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks tonight? Enjoy!